The NSA isn’t evil. They’re just misunderstood and they need your help. That’s the gist of the message from their chief and it’s not resonating very well.

Apparently sitting in the captain’s chair on the bridge of the USS Surveillance has lost its thrill. With more than 20 pieces of legislation in the works aimed at curtailing or eliminating the NSA’s surveillance programs and Patrick Leahy calling for an end of the phone data program, Gen. Alexander’s future spying plans are facing the threat of cancellation.

Sadly, the proud “cowboy” who once ordered underlings to damn the legality and “collect it all” seems to have lost a whole lot of swagger over the past few weeks. He’s been reduced to pleading with “thepublic” for its help and understanding.